Inspiration-
I am usually inspired by my own emotions. I have experienced several unexpected deaths in the past few years and my work reflects my grieving process through those experiences. I am also inspired by nature, usually creating organic shapes in my sculptures. Lastly, I am inspired by fellow artists. When the studio is full, people are making noise and being productive, I can't help but join in. When it is just me in the studio, it is harder for me to stay focused for too long unless I have an upcoming deadline.
Working Environment-
I have sincerely enjoyed working in a studio with other art students. My desk is in front of a window so I enjoy natural sunlight and breeze...I also spend a lot of time in the cold glass shop where I put on my ipod and zone into the repetitive actions of grinding and polishing. When I am in the hot shop however, I become part of the hustle and bustle of a fast paced and dangerous material. If I get the chance to work out in nature (in the woods, at the arboretum) I might bring some painting materials but find it difficult to remember everything I need and as a result prevent myself from finishing anything.
Working Process-
I spend a lot of time in the brainstorming aspect of creating. I do a lot of rough sketches, writing, and searching online, in books, or in the everyday in search of inspiration. Once I get a solid idea, I spend even more time brainstorming the steps, writing rough lists of what order to do things in..usually losing the list in the process and changing the steps on a day to day basis. When I finally start building, I do a lot of staring..contemplating what would look best where before any adhesive is applied. When painting I layer and layer until I'm satisfied, if possible. In hot glass I will often make something over and over again until I figure out the most attractive and efficient way to make the object.
Motivation-
I lack motivation. Being in school with a set schedule is the only thing that keeps me going..I need to be in a constant process of creating to get results. So in the summer, I usually lose my drive to make art and have to start from scratch in the fall. Once I have my materials in front of me, projects assigned, and my desk organized (I constantly arrange and re-arrange my desk throughout the year) I will focus. Sometimes however, I get a special burst of motivation in reaction to a strong emotion. This year I am going to Haystack during the anniversary of my brother's death anniversary so I'm hoping the excess of emotion I have during that time will motivate me to create something amazing.
Reading-
I lost the passion to read for many years. However, my first five weeks of Costa Rica were spent traveling with my boyfriend. We spent day after day lounging on the beach, reading novels. The relaxed atmosphere with no agenda and free books found in hostels provided for the perfect reading environment. I probably finished 20 books in the three months I was away, sometimes finishing an entire novel in one day. I love novels that capture me enough to keep me away from the TV..I have a ton of "self-help" sort of books that have been collecting dust on the bookshelf, like Julia Cameron's "The Artists Way" and "Vein of Gold" ...someday I'll get to them.
Most Inspiring Person-
B
y far, my late brother, Jared has inspired me more than any other person. My love for him is reflected in all of my work, even if it is not directly focused on him. Losing him has been the most significant event in my life and is a continuous struggle. Since I consider art a therapeutic practice, I see my art making as a journey through grieving his death, and memories of his life.
The artwork here is a memory box I made to house some of my favorite or most memorable items of Jared's including his childhood stuffed animal, a Jerry Garcia duct tape hand he made, one of his favorite t-shirts, his eulogy, and a handwritten paper from high school.
I am usually inspired by my own emotions. I have experienced several unexpected deaths in the past few years and my work reflects my grieving process through those experiences. I am also inspired by nature, usually creating organic shapes in my sculptures. Lastly, I am inspired by fellow artists. When the studio is full, people are making noise and being productive, I can't help but join in. When it is just me in the studio, it is harder for me to stay focused for too long unless I have an upcoming deadline.
Working Environment-
I have sincerely enjoyed working in a studio with other art students. My desk is in front of a window so I enjoy natural sunlight and breeze...I also spend a lot of time in the cold glass shop where I put on my ipod and zone into the repetitive actions of grinding and polishing. When I am in the hot shop however, I become part of the hustle and bustle of a fast paced and dangerous material. If I get the chance to work out in nature (in the woods, at the arboretum) I might bring some painting materials but find it difficult to remember everything I need and as a result prevent myself from finishing anything.
Working Process-
I spend a lot of time in the brainstorming aspect of creating. I do a lot of rough sketches, writing, and searching online, in books, or in the everyday in search of inspiration. Once I get a solid idea, I spend even more time brainstorming the steps, writing rough lists of what order to do things in..usually losing the list in the process and changing the steps on a day to day basis. When I finally start building, I do a lot of staring..contemplating what would look best where before any adhesive is applied. When painting I layer and layer until I'm satisfied, if possible. In hot glass I will often make something over and over again until I figure out the most attractive and efficient way to make the object.
Motivation-
I lack motivation. Being in school with a set schedule is the only thing that keeps me going..I need to be in a constant process of creating to get results. So in the summer, I usually lose my drive to make art and have to start from scratch in the fall. Once I have my materials in front of me, projects assigned, and my desk organized (I constantly arrange and re-arrange my desk throughout the year) I will focus. Sometimes however, I get a special burst of motivation in reaction to a strong emotion. This year I am going to Haystack during the anniversary of my brother's death anniversary so I'm hoping the excess of emotion I have during that time will motivate me to create something amazing.
Reading-
I lost the passion to read for many years. However, my first five weeks of Costa Rica were spent traveling with my boyfriend. We spent day after day lounging on the beach, reading novels. The relaxed atmosphere with no agenda and free books found in hostels provided for the perfect reading environment. I probably finished 20 books in the three months I was away, sometimes finishing an entire novel in one day. I love novels that capture me enough to keep me away from the TV..I have a ton of "self-help" sort of books that have been collecting dust on the bookshelf, like Julia Cameron's "The Artists Way" and "Vein of Gold" ...someday I'll get to them.
Most Inspiring Person-
B
y far, my late brother, Jared has inspired me more than any other person. My love for him is reflected in all of my work, even if it is not directly focused on him. Losing him has been the most significant event in my life and is a continuous struggle. Since I consider art a therapeutic practice, I see my art making as a journey through grieving his death, and memories of his life.The artwork here is a memory box I made to house some of my favorite or most memorable items of Jared's including his childhood stuffed animal, a Jerry Garcia duct tape hand he made, one of his favorite t-shirts, his eulogy, and a handwritten paper from high school.
